Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-3 Tottenham (Premier League)

Manchester City endured a third consecutive draw in the Premier League as Tottenham held the Champions to a 3-3 scoreline at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.

Spurs were the first to score in the contest as Dejan Kulusevski forced the ball to Son Heung-min on the counter-attack. Jeremy Doku tracked back but had a minimal chance against the star Spurs forward, who slotted past Ederson to score a somewhat unsurprising strike.

The South Korea international made up for the first blow soon after at the other end with an own goal in Manchester City’s favour. Julian Alvarez’s free-kick brushed against Erling Haaland and deflected off Son’s thigh to get the home side their equaliser.

Manchester City would go on to take the lead with Phil Foden scoring a trademark Pep Guardiola goal. Josko Gvardiol won the ball and found Erling Haaland, who crossed it over to Jeremy Doku. The Belgian played the ball in behind for Julian Alvarez, who turned and set up Phil Foden to punctuate the incredible ‘Tiki-Taka’ play with a second goal.

The first-half also saw Rodri receive his fifth yellow of the ongoing Premier League season, meaning he will now be suspended for the visit to Aston Villa on Wednesday night, alongside Jack Grealish – who also picked up a caution later in the contest for his fifth of the campaign.

The missed chances from the first-half would soon come back to haunt the hosts as Giovani Lo Celso scored an equaliser for Tottenham, before Jeremy Doku would be replaced by Jack Grealish after indicating an injury concern to coaching staff.

The England international made an instant impact on the game by pairing with Erling Haaland. Unable to score a goal from previous attempts, the Norwegian took on the assist role and set up Grealish to score his first of the season, restoring City’s lead with ten minutes left.

However, Dejan Kuluskevski would beat substitute Nathan Ake to equalise again for Tottenham after the champions gave the ball away in the final minute of normal time.

The final few minutes truly tested Manchester City players’ patience, courtesy of a baffling refereeing decision during injury time. An impressive clearance saw City run away, creating a near undeniable chance for a late winner.

Jack Grealish was released in-behind the Tottenham after Erling Haaland was fouled but continued thanks to an initial advantage from referee Simon Hooper. However, the match suddenly opted to stop his advantage, leaving the Manchester City players incensed by the u-turn.

The Etihad Stadium echoed with boos as the game concluded in a draw with three goals apiece. Manchester City have now slipped down to third place in the Premier League table, one point behind Liverpool and three behind leaders Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola’s next face Aston Villa in midweek, making a trip to Villa Park on Wednesday night. Here’s how Pep Guardiola’s players fared in the entertaining draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium this weekend!

Player Ratings

Ederson – 5

Should have done better for the first Tottenham goal, but rescued against defensive errors with his distribution.

Kyle Walker – 6

Teamed up well with Phil Foden in the first-half, and his pace helped nullify a few Tottenham chances, including an important save.

Ruben Dias – 6.5

Made some crucial blocks throughout the contest, but like his defensive teammates, cannot be marked too highly given the goals conceded.

Manuel Akanji – 6.5

Moved to defensive midfield without causing significant defensive errors, building on an impressive performance against Liverpool, and avoided becoming too close to Rodri enabling the Spaniard to operate freely.

Josko Gvardiol – 6.5

Arguably Manchester City’s best in defence; created chances, nailed the defensive side of his role, and had a brilliant all-around game bar the late foul.

Rodri – 7

Won and kept possession for Manchester City in challenging moments, helped the defence, and kick-started the run for the third goal.

Bernardo Sila – 7

Like Rodri, the Portuguese played a crucial role in winning the possession for Manchester City but couldn’t create much with the same.

Julian Alvarez – 7

Set up a goal and was denied by the post in the first-half. Could have done better with the chances presented.

Phil Foden – 8

Manchester City’s most dangerous attacker, as long as he stayed on the pitch, pushed and punished the opponents’ defence with casual brilliance

Jeremy Doku – 7

Like Julian Alvarez, he was denied by the post but looks more confident in his decisions. Harsh defeat against Heung-min Son while taking defensive responsibilities, but should have done better.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Could have won the game for Manchester City with few poorly missed chances. But was involved in a goal and looked fairly impressive in the build-up, inching closer to beating the question, “What does he do if he doesn’t score a goal?”

Substitutes

Jack Grealish – 7

Scored Manchester City’s equaliser and almost got the winner, while the yellow card was unnecessary and ultimately punishes his manager’s options for the midweek match.

Rico Lewis – 6.5

Impressive in the attack, solid in defence. Made a late save for his defensive teammates.

Nathan Ake – No time to mark

Mateo Kovacic – No time to mark